Gaming machine and method for evaluating player reactions

ABSTRACT

An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotional level and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv) determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game play session, the game session action is configured to cause the player to transition to the positive emotional level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/109,298, filed 22 Aug. 2018,entitled “GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING PLAYER REACTIONS,”the entire contents and disclosure of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and moreparticularly to an electronic gaming machine and method that evaluateplayer reactions during game play.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs), or gaming devices, provide a varietyof wagering games such as, for example, and without limitation, slotgames, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, videobingo games, keno games, and other types of games that are frequentlyoffered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involvesa player establishing a credit balance by inserting or otherwisesubmitting money and placing a monetary wager (deducted from the creditbalance) on one or more outcomes of an instance, or play, of a primarygame, sometimes referred to as a base game. In many games, a player mayqualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certainwinning combination or other triggering event in the base game.Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances,credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winningoutcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can beprovided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when theplayer wants to “cash out.”

Slot games are often displayed to the player in the form of varioussymbols arranged in a row-by-column grid, or “matrix.” Specific matchingcombinations of symbols along predetermined paths, or paylines, drawnthrough the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations and outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” that isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to included differing numbers of paylines and/or theamount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimesalter the frequency or number of winning combinations, the frequency ornumber of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

During game play, players may experience a variety of emotions andlevels of engagement with their game. Players that enjoy and are highlyengaged in a game tend to continue or repeat playing that game.Accordingly, providing engaging and entertaining games is desirable,both for the players as well as for casino operators and gamedevelopers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an electronic gaming machine is provided. Anelectronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera deviceconfigured to capture digital image data of a player of the electronicgaming machine during a game play session of a wagering game, a creditinput mechanism including at least one of a card reader, a ticketreader, a bill acceptor, and a coin input mechanism, the credit inputmechanism configured to receive a credit wager, a storage medium havinginstructions stored thereon, and a processor. The processor is coupledto the display, the credit input mechanism, and the storage medium. Whenexecuted, the instructions cause the processor to at least: (i) receive,from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii)determine an emotional state of the player by performing facialexpression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determine an emotionlevel of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the playerbased on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes afirst state representing a positive emotional level and a second staterepresenting another emotional level; (iv) determine that the emotionallevel is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiate agame session action during the game play session, the game sessionaction is configured to cause the player to transition to the positiveemotional level.

In another embodiment, a method of analyzing facial expressions of aplayer is provided. The method is implemented on an electronic gamingmachine, the electronic gaming machine includes at least one processorin communication with at least one memory device, a digital cameradevice configured to capture digital image data of the player during agame play session of a wagering game, and with a display. The methodincludes: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital imageof the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player byperforming facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii)determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotionalstate of the player based on the determined emotional state, thecategorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotionallevel and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv)determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and(v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game playsession, the game session action is configured to cause the player totransition to the positive emotional level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary EGMs networked with variousgaming-related servers;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary EGM;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary gaming device that may be used tocapture player engagement and player emotion of a player and enhanceplayer experience during game play;

FIG. 4 is a component diagram illustrating an example embodiment ofgaming device.

FIG. 5 illustrates example images of a person (e.g., the player) invarious emotional states as exhibited by facial expression; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for analyzing facialexpressions of the player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic gaming machine (EGM) (or “gaming device”) is describedherein, in which player engagement and player emotion are capturedduring game play and used to enhance player experience. A player mayexperience a wide array of emotions during a game play session (e.g.,from the time the player first sits down at the EGM and begins play, anduntil they stand up and leave the EGM). A particular game design or gamefeatures may provide differing levels of interest, entertainment, orengagement levels, each of which may be subjective to the player.Further, a gaming environment where the player plays the EGM, such as acasino, may present distractions or other environmental characteristics(e.g., based on where the EGM is positioned within the casino or onother occurrences happening near the EGM). Such distractions may have animpact on player engagement and enjoyment.

In an example embodiment, the EGM includes a digital camera device thatoperates in conjunction with an expression evaluation engine and a gamecontroller to capture emotional states of the player during game play.More specifically, the digital camera device is integrated into the EGMand faces the player, capturing facial expressions of the player duringgame play. The expression evaluation engine receives digital video ofthe player and evaluates facial expressions made by the player todetermine an emotional state of the player at various times. Forexample, the expression evaluation engine may determine that the playeris joyful, angry, or sad. The game controller categorizes an emotionlevel of the player (e.g., positive, neutral, negative) based on thedetected emotional state. Further, the game controller may alsodetermine a level of engagement (e.g., high, low) of the player based onthe emotional state (a level of arousal, e.g., calm, bored, alert,nervous).

The game controller may treat the positive emotion level as the mostdesirable emotion level of the player (e.g., where the player'sexcitement level and engagement with the game are high). Players mayexperience this level, for example, when there are exciting features ofthe game occurring, when the player has recently won a large payout, orwhen they relate to or are excited by the game design. The neutral levelrepresents an emotion level in which the player is content, calm, orrelaxed. Players may experience this level, for example, when they haverecently experienced only modest wins, when there are no particularlyinteresting features of the game being activated, or when they aremoderately disengaged from game play. The neutral level may commonlyoccur for many players at various times during game play and, while notnecessarily undesirable, the player's excitement and engagement are onlymoderate. As such, the neutral level is less desirable than the positivelevel. The negative level represents an emotion level in which theplayer is, for example, upset, angry, sad, bored, or fatigued. Playersmay experience this level, for example, when they have regularly lostover recent plays, when they do not enjoy the particular game or gamefeatures, when they are confused by the game, or when they have playedtoo long without positive experiences in the game. The negative level isthe least desirable emotion level for the player.

In some embodiments, the game controller may perform various actionsduring a game play session based on the player's present or recentemotion level (referred to herein as “game session actions”). Forexample, when the expression evaluation engine determines that theplayer is at a negative emotion level (e.g., presently, or consistentlyfor a period of time), or when the player is unengaged with the game,the game controller may perform game session actions in an attempt toincrease the player's emotion level. Game session actions may include,for example, adjusting colors of the game (e.g., to make the game moresoothing, or to change the appearance of the game to attract theplayer's attention), temporarily increasing a volume level of music orother sounds, increasing game music tempo, initiating a light show orentertaining video presentation, or offering free plays or other “comps”to the player.

In some embodiments, the game controller may capture game play datacontemporaneously with emotion level data of the player during game play(collectively, “session data”). The game controller may transmit sessiondata to a central server or store session data for later retrieval.Session data synchronizes game play data (e.g., what is occurring duringa particular game) with emotion level data (e.g., what emotion level isbeing experienced by the player at that time), thereby allowing ananalysis of player reaction to particular game play events or otherenvironmental factors. Session data may be used (e.g., by gamedevelopers or casino operators) to evaluate player experience duringgame play sessions. For example, session data may allow game developersto evaluate which features of the game caused player excitement, joy, oranger, or what makes players get distracted or excited about the game.Session data may allow casino operators, or others, to evaluate playerenjoyment of particular games in their casino or levels of distractionor other environmental conditions that may be present in particularareas of their casino. Such “real-world” session data provides benefitsover typical test environment data inasmuch as the session data isgenerated under actual real-world conditions (e.g., at the casinoproperty, with typical distractions) and by actual players (e.g., in abroad spectrum of states, playing with their own money).

As used herein, the terms “primary game” and “base game” may refer togames initiated in response to one of a plurality of game initiationevents, such as a wager or credit being received by or transferred to anEGM, as described herein. A primary game may be associated with aprimary game outcome represented by a plurality of primary game symbolsor primary game reels, each of which may include a plurality of primarygame symbols, and each of which may be selected based upon a randomnumber generated by a random number generator.

Further, as used herein, the terms “secondary game” and “bonus game” mayrefer generally to a game or a component of a game involving proceduresin addition to the primary game. In some embodiments, a bonus game maybe triggered from a primary game and may be associated with a bonus gameoutcome, which may be different from the primary game outcome. Forexample, a bonus game may be initiated after, or during, a primary gameand in response to the occurrence of a particular condition, such as a“trigger condition” occurring during the primary game. In someembodiments, a bonus game may be a scheduled or timed bonus (e.g., foran individual machine or a bank of machines). A bonus game may result ina bonus game outcome or bonus award that increases a primary game awardor adds a bonus game award to a primary game award.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary EGMs networked with variousgaming-related servers in a gaming system 100. Gaming system 100operates in a gaming environment, including one or more servers, orserver computers, such as slot servers of a casino, that are incommunication, via a communications network, with one or more EGMs, orgaming devices 104A-104X, such as EGMs, slot machines, video pokermachines, or bingo machines, for example. Gaming devices 104A-104X may,in the alternative, be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as,for example, and without limitation, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop,or a game console.

Communication between gaming devices 104A-104X and servers 102, andamong gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as overthe Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remoteserver or over an online data network including commercial onlineservice providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and thelike. In other embodiments, gaming devices 104A-104X communicate withone another and/or servers 102 over wired or wireless RF or satelliteconnections and the like.

In certain embodiments, servers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gamingdevice 104A and/or gaming device 104A in communication with only one ormore other gaming devices 104B-104X (i.e., without servers 102).

Servers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player trackingsystem server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casinomanagement system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may includefeatures to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the playerand/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern,pub, etc.). For example, a game outcome may be generated on a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over thenetwork to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices104A-104X that utilize the game outcome and display the result to theplayer.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction that may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116that provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, a billvalidator 124, and/or ticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 including aplurality of mechanical reels 130, typically 3 or 5 mechanical reels,with various symbols displayed there on. Reels 130 are thenindependently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within thegaming display area 118 that may be used to determine an outcome to thegame.

In many configurations, gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128(e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, gaming display area118. Main display 128 may be, for example, a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, OLED, or microLED panel that may be flat or curved asshown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronicallycontrolled video monitor.

In certain embodiments, bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that enables the player to use a casino-issued creditticket to load credits onto gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless TITOsystem). In such cashless embodiments, gaming device 104A may alsoinclude a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a“cash out” button is pressed. Cashless ticket systems are well known inthe art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes printed ontickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loadingcredits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using ticket-outprinter 126 on gaming device 104A.

In certain embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146,and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering,and/or displaying player tracking information can be provided. In suchembodiments, a game controller within gaming device 104A communicateswith player tracking server system 110 to send and receive playertracking information.

Gaming device 104A may also include, in certain embodiments, a bonustopper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a playerachieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game),bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicatorarrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but could also beincorporated into play of the base game, or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

In certain embodiments, there may also be one or more information panels152 that may be, for example, a back-lit silkscreened glass panel withlettering to indicate general game information including, for example, agame denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/orvarious game related graphics. In some embodiments, information panels152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

Gaming device 104A traditionally includes a handle 132 typically mountedto the side of main cabinet 116 that may be used to initiate game play.

Many or all of the above described components may be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside main cabinet 116 ofgaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

Not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of thegaming systems, gaming devices, or methods described herein necessarilyinclude top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticketsystems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gamingdevices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanicalset of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed, forexample, for bar tables or table tops and have displays that faceupwards.

Exemplary gaming device 104B shown in FIG. 1 is an Arc™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Where possible,reference numeral identifying similar features of gaming device 104A arealso identified in gaming device 104B using the same reference numerals.Gaming device 104B, however, does not include physical reels 130 andinstead shows game play and related game play functions on main display128. An optional topper screen 140 may be included as a secondary gamedisplay for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activitieswhile the game is not in play, or any other information or media desiredby the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizesavailable to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

Gaming device 104B includes main cabinet 116 having main door 118 thatopens to provide access to the interior of gaming device 104B. Main door118, or service door, is typically used by service personnel to refillticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into billvalidator 124. Main door 118 may further be accessed to reset themachine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenanceoperations.

Exemplary gaming device 104C shown in FIG. 1 is a Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view illustrated in FIG. 1,landscape display 128A has a curvature radius from top to bottom. Incertain embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display128A is typically used for primary game play while a secondary display128B is used for bonus game play, to show game features or attractionactivities while the game is not in play, or any other information ormedia desired by the game designer or operator.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within gaming devices104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may alsobe operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiatedaccording to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs.card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number ofpaylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games,Class II, or Class III, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary gaming device 200, or EGM,connected to various external systems, including TITO system server 108,player tracking system server 110, progressive system server 112, andcasino management system server 114. All or parts of gaming device 200may be embodied in game devices 104A-104X shown in FIG. 1. The gamesconducted on gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202that includes one or more processors 204 and a memory 208 coupledthereto. Games are represented by game software or a game program 206stored on memory 208. Memory 208 includes one or more mass storagedevices or media housed within gaming device 200. One or more databases210 may be included in one or more databases 210 for use by game program206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 is implemented in hardwareand/or software and is used, in certain embodiments, to generate randomnumbers for use in operation of gaming device 200 to conduct game playand to ensure the game play outcomes are random and meet regulations fora game of chance.

Alternatively, a game instance, or round of play of the game, may begenerated on a remote gaming device such as central determination gamingsystem server 106, shown in FIG. 1. The game instance is communicated togaming device 200 via a network 214 and is then displayed on gamingdevice 200. Gaming device 200 executes game software to enable the gameto be displayed on gaming device 200. In certain embodiments, gamecontroller 202 executes video streaming software that enables the gameto be displayed on gaming device 200. Game software may be loaded frommemory 208, including, for example, a read only memory (ROM), or fromcentral determination gaming system server 106 into memory 208. Memory208 includes at least one section of ROM, random access memory (RAM), orother form of storage media that stores instructions for execution byprocessor 204.

Gaming device 200 includes a topper display 216. In an alternativeembodiment, gaming device 200 includes another form of a top box suchas, for example, a topper wheel, or other topper display that sits ontop of main cabinet 218. Main cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may alsohouse various other components that may be used to add features to agame being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticketprinter 222 that prints bar-coded tickets, a ticket reader 224 thatreads bar-coded tickets, and a player tracking interface 232. Playertracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering playertracking information, a player tracking display 228 for displayingplayer tracking information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), acard reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information toand from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling playertracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for TITOsystem server 108. Gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors238 to detect unauthorized opening of main cabinet 218, a primary gamedisplay 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to andoperable under the control of game controller 202.

Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player trackingsystem server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, forexample, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g., amountwagered and time of play) for individual players so that an operator mayreward players in a loyalty program. The player may use player trackinginterface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play,and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programsseek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty tothe gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to theplayer's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequencyand/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player trackingrewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging,entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may becombined with other information that is now readily obtainable by casinomanagement system server 114.

Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X and 200, are highlyregulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X and 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typicallydispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfysecurity and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardwareand software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104Xand 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purposecomputers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gamingdevices 200 is not simple or straightforward because (1) regulatoryrequirements for gaming devices, (2) harsh environments in which gamingdevices operate, (3) security requirements, and (4) fault tolerancerequirements. These differences require substantial engineering effortand often additional hardware.

When a player wishes to play gaming device 200, he/she can insert cashor a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances of the game. The credit balance is decreased by the amount ofeach wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additionalcredits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionallyinsert a loyalty club card into card reader 230. During the game, theplayer views the game outcome on game displays 240 and 242. Other gameand prize information may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections that may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using player-input buttons 236, primary gamedisplay 240, which may include a touch screen, or using another suitabledevice that enables a player to input information into gaming device200.

During certain game events, gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely tocontinue playing. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights, or other patterns displayed from lights on gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind information panel 152, shown in FIG. 1.

When the player wishes to stop playing, he/she cashes out the creditbalance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticketfrom ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money orinserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary gaming device 300 that may be usedto capture player engagement and player emotion of a player 302 andenhance the player experience during game play. Gaming device 300 may besimilar to gaming devices 104A-104X or gaming device 200 (e.g., mayinclude any of the described components of such devices), and may benetworked with other gaming devices or computing devices as describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example embodiment, gamingdevice 300 includes one or more digital camera devices (or just“cameras”) 310A, 310B, 310C (collectively, “cameras 310”) that capturedigital images or video of the player 302 and a surrounding environment(not labelled) as the player 302 plays a wagering game. Further, in theexample embodiment, gaming device 300 includes a game controller and anexpression evaluation engine (both not depicted in FIG. 3) internal togaming device 300, and may include one or more sensors 350. In otherembodiments, the expression evaluation engine may and associated methodsmay be performed on a server system (e.g., central determination gamingsystem server 106, player tracking system server 110, or such).

In the example embodiment, camera(s) 310A is positioned below maindisplay 240 and is oriented such as to capture digital images or videoof a face 320 and head 322 of the players 302 when the players 302 arepositioned during game play. Gaming device 300 may be a stand-up device(e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3) or may include a seat or bench (not shown)at which the players 302 may sit. As such, camera(s) 310A may beoriented to accommodate the particular configuration of gaming device300 and common height ranges or positions of players 302 such as tofacilitate capturing digital video of the face 320 and head 322 of theplayers 302. In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may additionally oralternatively include cameras 310 positioned at different locations,such as with camera devices 310B and 310C. Facial expression processingby the expression evaluation engine may be improved when performed withdigital images or video of the face 320 of the player 302 fromapproximately in front of the player 302 and near a gaze direction 330of the player 302. In this example, the wagering game is primarilypresented in a primary display area 340 of the main display 240. Forexample, the display area 340 may be used to present a base game oraspects of bonus games, where other areas of the main display 240 may beused for supplemental features or other presentations. In other words,much of the player 302's focus is typically given to the primary displayarea 340. As such, cameras positioned near or around primary displayarea 340 may provide video that yields improved facial expressionevaluation.

Various environmental conditions can impact the emotion level of theplayer 302. For example, the position of gaming device 300 within acasino may introduce distractions or other factors of dissatisfactionsuch as other nearby gaming devices 300 or gaming tables, high foottraffic, near smoking areas, high noise areas, hot or cold areas, orhigh occurrence of spectators. The player 302's reactions to suchenvironmental conditions may manifest in facial expressions of theplayer. Such environmental conditions may be referred to herein as“environmental factors” inasmuch as the environmental conditions impactthe emotion level of the player 302. Gaming device 300 may be configuredto analyse environmental factors and detect such distraction anddissatisfaction in the player 302.

Gaming device 300 may utilize digital video from cameras 310 or sensordata from other sensors included within gaming device 300 to detectenvironmental conditions around the player 302. For example, digitalimages or video from camera 310C may be oriented such as to capture awider view around gaming device 300 and may be analysed, for example, tocapture motion of pedestrians near gaming device 300 and detect whethergaming device 300, for example, is positioned in a high-traffic area, oris near a tournament play environment. Similarly, digital video fromcameras 310 may be analysed to detect spectators near gaming device 300or cell phone use of the player 302. In some embodiments, gaming device300 may use sensor data to detect player gestures. For example, gamingdevice 300 may use video from cameras 310 or from a motion detectorcamera (not shown in FIG. 3) to detect slumping in the player 302'sshoulders, a startled reaction by the player 302, or smartphone use bythe player 302. Such gestures may be used to evaluate emotion level ofthe player (e.g., level of distraction due to smartphone use,disappointment with slumped shoulders, and so forth).

In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may use digital video fromcameras 310 to evaluate a gaze direction or point of gaze of the player302 (e.g., where they player 302 is looking). For example, gazedirection may be evaluated based on a combination of an orientation ofthe head 322 of the player 302 relative to shoulders 324 of the player302 (e.g., as the player 302 turns their head 322), an orientation ofthe shoulders 324 of the player 302 relative to the gaming device 300(e.g., as they turn their head 322 to look over their shoulders 324), anormalized orientation of facial points, or eye tracking methods formeasuring eye movement. Analysis of an approximate gaze direction may becomputed and used to evaluate whether or when the player 302 is activelywatching the game (e.g., looking at primary display area 340 orelsewhere on main display 240) or otherwise looking at gaming device 300(e.g., looking at buttons 236). Such analysis may be calibrated, forexample, at times where focus on the gaming device 300 is likely to behigh (e.g., when the player 302 first sits down, when a significant winoccurs). If the gaze direction is determined to be outside a configuredarea (e.g., relative to the dimensions of the gaming device 300 and ofthe player 302), then the level of engagement of the player 302 may beevaluated “low,” where if the gaze direction is determined to be withinthe configured area, then the level of engagement may be evaluated as“high.” In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may be configured totrack an amount of time that the player 302 gazes at the gaming device(e.g., at primary display area 340) during a specific game event orbonus. For example, some players may have varying levels of interest ina particular bonus game being presented in the primary display area 340,and may manifest that level of disinterest by looking away from thegaming device 300 (e.g., looking at their smartphone, turning their head322 toward another nearby machine, talking to another player, and soforth). Players having more interest in that same bonus game may gaze atthe primary display area 340 more than others. As such, the collectedgaze data may be synchronized with the game play data to evaluatewhether the player 302 is focused on (e.g., gazing at) the bonus game asthe bonus game is being presented. Such gaze data may be of interest inlater analysis (e.g., by casino operators or game developers). In someembodiments, the gaming device 300 may use such gaze data to attempt toreacquire the focus of the player 302. For example, the gaming device300 may play an additional sound or display an additional video featurewhen detecting that the player 302 is not gazing at the primary displayarea 340.

In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may include one or moreadditional sensors such as, for example, a microphone (e.g., forcapturing audio data around gaming device 300), a thermometer (e.g., forcapturing ambient temperature experienced by the player 302 near gamingdevice 300), a smoke detector (e.g., for detecting air quality neargaming device 300), a motion detector camera (e.g., for detecting motionof the player 302 or other spectators or other foot traffic), or athermal camera (e.g., for capturing temperature data of the player 302,for detecting spectators or foot traffic near gaming device 300) (eachnot separately depicted). Audio from the microphone may be used todetermine environmental conditions such as high ambient noise (e.g.,capturing an ambient noise level, and calibrated to detect noise notoriginating from gaming device 300, which may be an aggravant to somepeople), the player 302 engaging in speech (e.g., distracted byconversation, phone), nearby noise events (e.g., a distinct game winevent at a neighbouring gaming device 300, an alert from a cell phone ofthe player 302), or nearby speech (e.g., the speech of people other thanthe player 302). Gaming device 300 may include multiple microphones,some of which may be calibrated to focus on the sitting or standinglocation of the player 302, and audio analysis may use multiple audiostreams to differentiate sounds originating at or near the player 302 toother sounds. In some embodiments, a direction of a noise event may bedetermined (e.g., using multiple audio streams from directionalmicrophones). In some embodiments, game sound level may be increased orlowered based on an ambient noise level around the gaming device 300.

In some embodiments, the thermometer or thermal camera may be used tocapture an ambient temperature near the player 302. Players that are toowarm or too cold may become uncomfortable, which may lead to overalldissatisfaction during game play, thereby affecting emotion level.Casino operators, once aware, may wish to change heating, ventilation,and air conditioning (HVAC) properties near gaming device 300. In someembodiments, gaming device 300 may include an integrated airconditioner, heater, or fan, and gaming device 300 may automaticallyengage such devices based on the ambient temperature near gaming device300 (e.g., for climate control). In some embodiments, the smoke detectormay be used to detect the quality of air near gaming device 300, and maybe used to automatically activate the fan or otherwise move fresh airinto the area around gaming device 300.

In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may allow players 302 to captureand broadcast streaming media (e.g., live streaming in real time).During game play, the player 302 may elect to broadcast streaming mediaof themselves as they play the wagering game. Audio of the player 302and ambient environmental sounds (e.g., game play audio) is captured bythe microphone(s) and video of the player 302 is captured by thecamera(s) 310. In some embodiments, audio and video of game play (e.g.,what is shown on displays 240, 242) may also be captured. Such audio andvideo data of the player 302 may be referred to herein as “personalstreaming data.” In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may allowplayers 302 to share their own personal streaming data with otherplayers (e.g., at other gaming devices 300 within a casino premises),for example, allowing friends or relatives to watch each other'spersonal streaming data (e.g., game play, audio, video). This allowsplayers to share their gaming experiences during a gaming session whennot near each other (e.g., communicating, viewing game play, sharingemotional moments, and so forth). Gaming device 300 may present any orall of the game play audio and video or personal audio and video of oneplayer 302 to another player 302. Such streaming video may be viewed onone of the displays 240, 242, for example, in a dedicated locationwithin the main display 240 or secondary display 242, as apicture-in-picture, or as a movable window. Streaming audio of the otherplayer may be output on gaming device 300 through speakers 220. In someembodiments, gaming device 300 may allow players 302 to share theirpersonal streaming data via social media or live streaming sites (e.g.,Facebook® Live, Periscope®, Twitch®, and such). (FACEBOOK is aregistered trademark of Facebook, Inc., a Delaware Corporation;PERISCOPE is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc., a DelawareCorporation; TWITCH is a registered trademark of Twitch Interactive,Inc., a Delaware Corporation). For example, the personal streaming dataof the player 302 may be transmitted via network 214 out to theInternet. As such, players 302 may have enhanced excitement brought byremotely sharing their experience with others as they experience gameplay. Further, game developers and casino operators may also experiencebenefits from live streaming. For example, game popularity of a wageringgame may be increased through the additional exposure of game play toothers via the streaming, thus boosting overall interest in the wageringgame. Such increased exposure and interest may cause more players tovisit casinos offering that wagering game, or may cause streamingplayers to play for longer (e.g., to continue their streams when thestreaming player has numerous viewers).

FIG. 4 is a component diagram 400 illustrating an example embodiment ofgaming device 300. It should be understood that, while FIG. 4illustrates additional components of gaming device 300 not shown in FIG.3, not all components of gaming device 300 or game controller 202 areshown for ease of illustration. In the example embodiment, gamecontroller 202 of gaming device 300 includes a preliminary imageprocessor, a game presentation module 422, an expression evaluationengine 424, a game session actions module 426, an emotion analysismodule 428, an environmental analysis module 430, a gaze analysis module432, an HVAC controller module 434, a session synchronization module436, and a gameplay data module 438. Further, gaming device 300 includesone or more digital cameras 310, one or more microphones 410A, a thermalcamera 410B, a smoke detector 410C, a thermometer 410D, and a motiondetector camera 410E (collectively referred to herein as “sensors 410”).Sensors 410 may be similar to sensors 350. Output from each of thesensors 410 may be used by various modules of game controller 202 toevaluate the emotion and engagement level of the player 302.

In the example embodiment, game presentation module 422 provides thewagering game to the player 302 during game play. For example, gamepresentation module 422 may display simulated reels of a slot-style gameor cause mechanical reels to spin upon a wager being placed by theplayer 302 (e.g., a base game, a bonus game) using the RNG 212 (e.g.,similar to the game program 206), generating game outcomes, and soforth. In some situations, such as under U.S. gaming regulations, gamingdevice 300 may be prohibited from altering an outcome of the wageringgame. As such, the various modules of game controller 202 may use gamepresentation module 422 to manipulate aspects of appearance of thewagering game, but does not impact game outcomes (e.g., does not causethe player 302 to win more often). In other situations, such as insocial gaming contexts (e.g., where no money wager is taken), suchgaming devices may not be prohibited by law to manipulate game outcomes.In such contexts, game presentation module 422 may manipulate gameoutcomes based on an emotion level or engagement level of the player 302(e.g., generating higher win percentages, larger wins, activating bonusgames, and so forth).

The expression evaluation engine 424 performs facial expression analysison digital video of the player 302 (e.g., during game play) to determinean emotional state of the player 302. In some embodiments, expressionevaluation engine 424 is a third-party product configured to evaluatefacial expressions, such as those made available by iMotions, Inc. (aDelaware corporation), Affectiva (a Delaware corporation), and Noldus (aNetherlands company). Such expression evaluation engines 424 performaspects of image analysis of the facial features using, for example,eyes and eye corners, orientation of eyebrows, mouth corners, nose tip,or facial muscles. FIG. 5 illustrates example images 510A-D(collectively, “images 510”) of a person (e.g., the player 302) invarious emotional states as exhibited by facial expression. The personis expressing happiness or joy in image 510A, surprise in image 510B,anger in image 510C, and sadness in image 510D. Each of the images 510represent digital images (or frames of digital video) of the player 302captured by one or more of the cameras 310 during game play. It shouldbe understood that the images 510 and resulting determined emotionalstates shown in FIG. 4 are merely exemplary, and that other emotionalstates may be determined.

Returning again to FIG. 4, in the example embodiment, expressionevaluation engine 424 generates an emotional state output based on theinput image 510. Emotional state output may include such emotionalstates as, for example, tense, nervous, stressed, upset, alert, excited,elated, happy, sad, depressed, bored, fatigued, content, serene,relaxed, or calm. In some embodiments, preliminary image processor 420may perform image processing operations prior to sending images 510 toexpression evaluation engine 424. For example, preliminary imageprocessor 420 may capture a broader image (not shown) of the player 302(e.g., including upper and lower body of the player 302 and backgroundof the environment behind the player 302. Preliminary image processor420 may perform face detection of the broader image to identify theposition of the face 320 of the player 302 (e.g., via Viola JonesCascaded Classifier), and may crop the broader image to generate images410.

The emotion analysis module 428 categorizes the emotional statedetermined by the expression evaluation engine 424 to determine anemotion level. In the example embodiment, the emotion analysis module428 categorizes the player 302 into one of three emotion levels:positive, neutral, and negative. The positive emotion level representsthe most desirable emotion level of the player, where the player'sexcitement level and engagement with the game are high. Players mayexperience this level, for example, when there are exciting features ofthe game occurring, when the player has recently won a large payout, orwhen they relate to or are excited by the game design. The neutral levelrepresents an emotion level in which the player is content, calm, orrelaxed. Players may experience this level, for example, when they haverecently experienced only modest wins, when there are no particularlyinteresting features of the game being activated, or when they aremoderately disengaged from game play. The neutral level may commonlyoccur for many players at various times during game play and, while notnecessarily undesirable, the player's excitement and engagement are onlymoderate. As such, the neutral level is less desirable than the positivelevel. The negative level represents an emotion level in which theplayer is, for example, upset, angry, sad, bored, or fatigued. Playersmay experience this level, for example, when they have regularly lostover recent plays, when they do not enjoy the particular game or gamefeatures, when they are confused by the game, or when they have playedtoo long without positive experiences in the game. The negative level isthe least desirable emotion level for the player.

In the example embodiment, the emotion analysis module 428 assigns anemotion level of positive when the determined emotional state of theplayer 302 is happy, excited, satisfied, engaged, joyful, surprised,elated, or positive. An emotion level of neutral is assigned when thedetermined emotional state of the player 302 is content, neutral, orlimited attention. An emotion level of negative is assigned when thedetermined emotional state of the player 302 is angry, fearful, sad,disgusted, negative, or distracted.

In some embodiments, the emotion analysis module 428 may, additionallyor alternatively, determine an engagement level of the player 302 basedon the determined emotional state of the player 302. In one embodiment,an engagement level of high is assigned when the determined emotionalstate of the player 302 is tense, nervous, stressed, upset, alert,excited, elated, or happy. An engagement level of low is assigned whenthe determined emotional state of the player 302 is sad, depressed,bored, fatigued, content, serene, relaxed, or calm.

Further, in the example embodiment, the emotion analysis module 428initiates a process of collecting images 510 and driving expressionevaluation engine 424 to determine emotional states. In the exampleembodiment, the emotion analysis module 428 initiates image collectionand processing on a periodic basis, such as at a pre-determinedfrequency (e.g., four times a second, once a second). More specifically,and for example, the emotion analysis module 428 prompts the camera 310Ato capture an image 510 of the player 302, which is transferred toexpression evaluation engine 424 (optionally through preliminary imageprocessor), thereby receiving the emotional state of the player 302 andgenerating the emotion level therefrom. In some embodiments, the emotionanalysis module 428 initiates image collection and processing based onparticular trigger events. For example, the emotion analysis module 428may initiate image capture and processing upon the player 302interacting with the gaming device 300 (e.g., when the player 302 cardsinto the gaming device 300, when the player 302 presses the button 236to spin the reels in a base game, when the player 302 presses a callbutton to summon a cocktail hostess), based upon game-based triggerevents (e.g., a particular symbol appearing during the wagering game, aparticular feature being triggered during the wagering game, upongenerating an outcome of the wagering game), or based on environmentalconditions (e.g., when loud noises are detected nearby, when anexcessive amount of foot traffic is detected nearby, when a nearbygaming device has produced a significant win event).

In the example embodiment, the game session actions module 426 isconfigured to perform various game session actions based on thedetermined emotional state, emotion level, or engagement level (e.g., inan effort to move the player 302 from less desirable emotion levels tomore desirable emotion levels). Game session actions may include, forexample, adjusting game colors or other aspects of presentation of thewagering game (e.g., as presented by game presentation module 422),initiating play of or altering a volume level of game audio or music,offering complimentary items or services (“comps,” e.g., free plays,meals at casino restaurants, free beverages, hotel room, shoppingexperience at casino shops), initiating beverage services at the gamingdevice 300, or increasing player tracking account credit balance orstatus level. In some embodiments, game session actions may includeoffering special rewards for player birthday, anniversary, or individualor group celebration for a special occasion. In situations in whichengagement level of the player 302 is determined to be low, the gamesession actions module 426 may identify one or more other games ofpotential interest to the player 302 (e.g., based on comparing thecurrent wagering game or gaming machine 300 to past playing experience,game type, manufacturer, and so forth). As such, the game session actionmay include providing the game recommendations, determining whether andwhich recommended gaming devices are presently unoccupied at the currentcasino property, and providing a casino map identifying location of therecommended gaming devices. Game session actions may include alertingthe casino operator of the player 302's low engagement level or pooremotional level (e.g., automatically transmitting an alert to a host),which can cause the host to visit and interact with the player 302 toimprove their mood, offer comps, or otherwise improve the player'sexperience. In non-wagering (e.g., social) gaming, game session actionsmay include altering outcomes of the social game.

In some embodiments, game session actions module 426 may initiate a gamesessions action (e.g., comp'ing the player 302 with $5 credit for freeplays) upon determining that the player 302's emotion level beingnegative, or being not positive, for a pre-determined period of time(e.g., for five minutes) or for a pre-determined number of plays (e.g.,through 20 plays). In some embodiments, the game session action may alsobe conditioned based on aggregate wagering outcomes of the player 302(e.g., experiencing net outcomes below a pre-determined threshold overthe same period of time or over the same number of plays). For example,if the player 302 exhibits negative or neutral emotion level over 20plays while experiencing a net positive wagering outcome over those 20plays, then the game session actions module 426 may not perform a gamesession action. In contrast, if the player 302 exhibits both a negativeor neutral emotion level as well as a net wagering outcome below apre-determined threshold (e.g., more than $100 loss) over those 20plays, then game session actions module 426 may initiate the gamesession action. In some embodiments, the casino operator may configurethe pre-determined threshold level (of net wagering outcomes) for eachparticular game session action (e.g., on an action-by-action basis), andmay configure different threshold levels for different players 302(e.g., on a player-by-player basis). In some embodiments, game sessionactions module 426 may initiate harm minimization or self-exclusion forproblem gamblers (e.g., based on net wagering outcomes and emotionlevel).

In some embodiments, the emotional state or emotion level may beaggregated over a window of time (e.g., to develop an average emotionalstate or an average emotion level over that time period). Some emotionalstates may be fleeting, brief, or temporary. For example, the player 302may become distracted based on the conduct of a nearby player or angrybased on an incident in one game that quickly provides a happy emotionalstate (e.g., an unanticipated winning outcome). As such, the gamecontroller 202 may utilize an average emotional state or averageemotional level when initiating game session actions so as to avoidreacting to what is only a temporary state from which the player 302 maynaturally recover. In some embodiments, game session actions may beinitiated only when a non-positive or a negative emotion level isdetected a pre-determined number of times within a window of time. Insome embodiments, a subsequent game session action may be initiated onlyafter a pre-determined amount of time since the previous game sessionaction was initiated (e.g., using a timeout or countdown timer).

In some embodiments, environmental analysis module 430 collectsenvironmental data about environmental conditions (e.g., near gamingdevice 300) that may impact player experience or emotion level of theplayer 302 during game play. Environmental analysis module 430 mayinitiate sensor data collection from sensors 410, such as capturingaudio via microphones 410A, capturing thermal images or thermal videovia thermal camera 410B, capturing air quality data via smoke detector410C, capturing temperature data via thermometer 410D, or capturingmotion data via motion detector camera 410E. In some embodiments,environmental data may be used (e.g., as a factor) to evaluateengagement level or emotion level or to initiate game session actions.In some embodiments, environmental data may be collected (e.g., as acomponent of game play session data) and used in offline analytics(e.g., to correlate changes in emotional state or emotion level withpossible environmental conditions occurring near the player 302 orgaming device 300 during game play). Collection of environmental datamay be initiated as described above with regard to emotional states, ormay be initiated based on a change in emotion level (e.g., when theplayer 302 changes from positive to neutral or negative).

In some embodiments, gaze analysis module 432 determines the gazedirection 330 of the player 302 during game play. The gaze direction 330may be used (e.g., exclusively, or as a factor along with emotionalstate) to determine the engagement level of the player 302. For example,if the gaze direction 330 of the player 302 is determined to be awayfrom the primary display area 340 or elsewhere on main display 240 for apre-determined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), then gaze analysismodule 432 may determine that the engagement level of the player is low.Conversely, if the gaze direction 330 is determined to be within theprimary display area 340 or elsewhere on main display 240 for apre-determined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), then the engagementlevel of the player may be set to high. Gaze analysis module 432 mayacquire digital images or video from cameras 310 or motion detectorcamera 410E for use in determining the gaze direction 330 (e.g., viashoulder orientation, head orientation, eye orientation, and so forth).Further, gaze analysis module 432 may include gaze direction data as apart of game session data. In some embodiments, gaze analysis module 432may perform gaze analysis on people other than the player 302. Forexample, when the gaming machine 300 is not currently in use, gazeanalysis module 432 may detect when a passer-by gazes at the gamingmachine 300 and may initiate an “attract mode” (e.g., additional lightsand sounds, demo presentations, and so forth) that is configured toautomatically entice the passer-by to play the gaming machine 300.

In some embodiments, the HVAC controller module 434 initiates gamesession actions to alter environmental conditions around gaming device300, and may be based on environmental conditions (e.g., as captured bythermometer 410D, thermal camera device 410B, or smoke detector 410C, oras generated by environmental analysis module 430). Such game sessionactions may include, for example, engaging a fan, heater, or airconditioner (none of which are shown) of gaming device 300. In someembodiments, HVAC controller module 434 may collect environmentalconditions data as a part of game session data.

In the example embodiment, gameplay data module 438 collects dataregarding game play. Gameplay data may include, for example,game-specific data for each play of the wagering game (e.g., amountwagered, net wagering outcome, base spin results, features initiated,bonus game results, jackpots won), session data (e.g., player profileinformation, credits established, comps given, time in and time out ofgaming device 300, play rate (e.g., rate or speed of game play),aggregate outcome, drink service requests), and proximity gameplay data(e.g., activity level of nearby EGMs, jackpots or other large winsoccurring during the gaming session).

Session synchronization module 436, in the example embodiment, capturesand synchronizes the data generated by the various modules of gamecontroller 202 in a time-synchronized log. For example, sessionsynchronization module 436 collects and synchronizes emotional statedata generated by expression evaluation engine 424, emotion level datagenerated by emotion analysis module 428, game session actions initiatedby game session actions module 426 or HVAC controller module 434,environmental data captured by environmental analysis module 430 or HVACcontroller module 434, gaze direction data generated by gaze analysismodule 432, and gameplay data captured by gameplay data module 438. Suchdata may be referred to collectively herein as “session data.” In theexample embodiment, components of session data may be timestamped bysession synchronization module 436 (e.g., when received), or timestampedusing a shared clock (not shown) at a time of occurrence or capture bythe associated module (e.g., when generated). As such, each of thedisparate types of session data may be examined together, with thetimestamps acting as chronological synchronization to depict what washappening or what data was being generated at any given time during agame play session.

In some embodiments, session synchronization module 436 may storesession data for later retrieval (e.g., download by a technician). Insome embodiments, session synchronization module 436 may transmit any orall of the session data to a network-connected server (e.g., casinomanagement system server 114, player tracking system server 110, an EGMmanufacturer server (not shown), or such). Session synchronizationmodule 436 may remove or otherwise sanitize personally identifiableinformation (PII) from the session data prior to removal (e.g., toprotect privacy). In the example embodiment, no raw video or images ofthe player 302 are stored with session data, other than for transientuse as described above (e.g., in generating emotional state). In someembodiments, the gaming device 300 may allow the player to opt into orout of any of the sensor collection or analysis data described herein.

In some embodiments, session data may be used by game developers ormanufacturers of gaming device 300. For example, game developers mayanalyse aspects of game design and impacts on players' emotional statesor emotion levels (e.g., how different players react to game aesthetics,game features, or other aspects of game play, what causes players tolose focus or interest). Such data may help game developers designbetter games or improve existing games. Developers may examinesituations in which a particular player exhibits a low emotion level forone particular game but then exhibits a higher emotion level for anothergame and may then attempt to determine whether the differing emotionlevel was due to gaming outcomes or whether the difference was based onsome aspect of game design (e.g., based on music, theme, colors). Insome embodiments, developer feedback may be shared with third parties,casinos, or manufacturers.

In some embodiments, session data may be used by the casino operator ofgaming device 300. For example, casino operators may analyse emotionalstates or emotion levels of the same type of gaming device 300 at twodifferent locations within a property, or different types of gamingdevices 300 at a common location. Such data may help operators detectsources of distraction or discomfort for players and take remedialactions to improve emotion levels for future players. Casino operatorsmay store session data as a part of player profiles, an overall emotionlevel of the player 302 during a given session or period of time, andmay provide other comps to players if they exhibit poor emotion levels.The gaming device 300 may allow the casino operator to change the gamepresented to the player 302. For example, if the player 302 has becomedisinterested in (e.g., low engagement, non-positive emotional level)the current wagering game, the gaming device 300 may provide a menu ofgames from which the player 302 may choose).

In some embodiments, gaming device 300 may include haptic sensors (notshown) that allow gaming device 300 to detect certain types of actionstaken by the player 302. For example, game controller 202 may beconfigured to use haptic sensors to detect when the player 302 stands upfrom, sits down in, or fidgets while seated in a chair during the gamingsession. Game controller 303 may be configured to use haptic sensors(e.g., a piezoelectric sensor) to detect when the player 302 slams thegaming device 300. Such player actions may be used to evaluate theemotion level of the player 302. For example, a player slamming theirhands on the button deck 120 or displays 240, 242 may indicate afrustrated emotion level, and the player fidgeting in their seat may beindicative of a level of distraction or discomfort.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process 600 for analyzing facialexpressions of the player 302, as described above. In the exemplaryembodiment, process 600 is performed by game controller 300 (shown inFIG. 3).

In the exemplary embodiment, game controller 300 receives 610 a digitalimage of the player 302 (e.g., from the camera device 510A). Gamecontroller 300 also determines 620 an emotional state of the player byperforming facial expression analysis on the digital image. Gamecontroller 300 also determines 630 an emotion level 632 of the player bycategorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determinedemotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing apositive emotional level (e.g., “Category 1” 640, “positive”) and asecond state representing another emotional level (e.g., “Category 2”642, “neutral”, or “Category 3” 644, “negative”). Game controller 300further determines that the emotional level is the other emotional level(e.g., “Category 2” 642 or “Category 3” 644). Game controller 300automatically initiate a game session action during the game playsession, the game session action is configured to cause the player totransition to the positive emotional level. If emotion level 632 is“positive”, or within “Category 1” 640, then no game session action istaken 650. If emotion level 632 is “neutral,” or within “Category 2”642, then game controller 300 may test 660 whether to implement a localor system game session action, such as initiating 662 a drink offer orsummoning an attendant, or initiating 664 a light show or music. Ifemotion level 632 is “negative,” or within “Category 3” 644, then gamecontroller may test 660 whether to implement a local or system gamesession action, such as providing 674 comps, free plays, or summoning anattendant.

In some embodiments, the method 600 includes determining an area withinthe digital image representing a face of the player, and cropping thedigital image to include only the determined area prior to performingthe facial expression analysis. In some embodiments, the game sessionaction includes one of initiating a light show, adjusting colors of thewagering game, and altering audio presented during the wagering game. Insome embodiments, the game session action includes one of calling anattendant, providing complimentary services, and providing complimentarycredits for the wagering game.

In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes capturing gameplaydata associated with the wagering game, timestamping the gameplay dataand the emotion level to generate a time-synchronized log of the gameplay session, and storing the time-synchronized log for analysis by oneor more of a game developer of the wagering game and a casino operatorproviding the electronic gaming machine. In some embodiments, the method600 includes generating an engagement level of the player based at leastin part on the determined emotional state. In some embodiments, themethod 600 includes determining a gaze direction of the player based onthe digital image, and determining that the gaze direction of the playeris not directed at the electronic gaming machine, and generating anengagement level of the player is further based at least in part on thedetermining that the gaze direction of the player is not directed at theelectronic gaming machine.

In some embodiments, the method 600 also includes detecting, using audiodata captured by a microphone of the electronic gaming machine, a sourceof noise not related to the electronic gaming machine, and storing theaudio data in the time-synchronized log. In some embodiments, the method600 also includes receiving, from the camera device, digital video of anenvironment behind the player, performing motion analysis on the digitalvideo to determine the presence of people walking near the electronicgaming machine, and automatically identifying foot traffic as a sourceof distraction for the player based on the motion analysis. In someembodiments, the second state represents a neutral emotional level,wherein the categorizing includes a third state representing a negativeemotional level.

A computer, controller, or server, such as those described herein,includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory.The computer, controller, or server typically has at least some form ofcomputer readable non-transitory media. As used herein, the terms“processor” and “computer” and related terms, e.g., “processing device”,“computing device”, and “controller” are not limited to just thoseintegrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadlyrefers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logiccontroller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and otherprogrammable circuits “configured to” carry out programmableinstructions, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In theembodiments described herein, memory may include, but is not limited to,a computer-readable medium or computer storage media, volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Such memory includes a random access memory (RAM), computer storagemedia, communication media, and a computer-readable non-volatile medium,such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-readonly memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digitalversatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodimentsdescribed herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limitedto, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as amouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may alsobe used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels mayinclude, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor.

As indicated above, the process may be embodied in computer software.The computer software could be supplied in a number of ways, for exampleon a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable storage medium, such ason any nonvolatile memory device (e.g. an EEPROM). Further, differentparts of the computer software can be executed by different devices,such as, for example, in a client-server relationship. Persons skilledin the art will appreciate that computer software provides a series ofinstructions executable by the processor.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic gaming machine comprising: adisplay; a thermal camera device; and a game controller configured toexecute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by the gamecontroller, cause the game controller to at least: capture, from thethermal camera device, thermal image data in an area near the electronicgaming machine including a playing position of the electronic gamingmachine; determine an ambient temperature at the playing position basedon the thermal image data; and timestamp and store the ambienttemperature as environmental data of a game play session; and transmitthe environmental data of a game play session to an analytics server,thereby allowing operators to evaluate player comfort during the gameplay session.
 2. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 furthercomprising: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)controller module; and an HVAC device managed by the HVAC controllermodule and operable to alter one or more environmental conditions nearthe electronic gaming machine, wherein when executed, the instructionsfurther cause the game controller to at least automatically activate theHVAC device, via the HVAC controller module, based on the determinedambient temperature.
 3. The electronic gaming machine of claim 2,wherein the HVAC device comprises a heater device integrated into theelectronic gaming machine, wherein automatically activating the HVACdevice includes automatically activating the heater device when theambient temperature is determined to be below a pre-determinedthreshold.
 4. The electronic gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the HVACdevice comprises an air conditioning device integrated into theelectronic gaming machine, wherein automatically activating the HVACdevice includes automatically activating the heater device when theambient temperature is determined to be above a pre-determinedthreshold.
 5. The electronic gaming machine of claim 2 furthercomprising: a smoke detector device, wherein the HVAC device comprises afan device integrated into the electronic gaming machine, wherein whenexecuted, the instructions further cause the game controller to at leastautomatically activate the fan device, via the HVAC controller module,when the smoke detector device detects the presence of smoke near theelectronic gaming machine.
 6. The electronic gaming machine of claim 2further comprising a thermometer device, wherein the HVAC devicecomprises one or more of a heater device and an air conditioning deviceintegrated into the electronic gaming machine, wherein automaticallyactivating the HVAC device is further based on output from thethermometer device.
 7. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 furthercomprising a digital camera device oriented to capture one or more ofdigital images and digital video of a field of view near the electronicgaming machine, wherein the instructions further cause the gamecontroller to at least: capture camera output data from the digitalcamera device; detect spectator presence of one or more spectators nearthe electronic gaming machine based on one or more of the camera outputdata and output from the thermal camera device; timestamp and store thespectator presence as additional environmental data; and transmit theadditional environmental data to the analytics server.
 8. The electronicgaming machine of claim 1 further comprising a digital camera deviceoriented to capture one or more of digital images and digital video of aplayer of the electronic gaming machine, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the game controller to at least: capture a digital imageof a player of the electronic gaming device during a gaming session;determine an emotional state of the player by performing facialexpression analysis on the digital image; timestamp and store theemotional state of the player as session data; and transmit the sessiondata to the analytics server.
 9. The electronic gaming machine of claim1 further comprising a motion detector camera device oriented to capturemotion data near the electronic gaming machine, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the game controller to at least: capture, from the motiondetector camera device, motion data near the electronic gaming machine;detect, from the motion data, pedestrian movement in a first area;identify the first area as a high traffic area near the electronicgaming device based on the detected pedestrian movement; and transmit anindication of the first area as a high traffic area near the electronicgaming device as environmental data to an analytics server.
 10. Theelectronic gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising a smoke detectordevice, wherein the instructions further cause the game controller to atleast: capture air quality data from a smoke detector sensor; andtimestamp and store the air quality data as part of the session data forthe game play session.
 11. A method of providing climate control duringa game play session, the method being implemented by an electronicgaming machine, the electronic gaming machine including a gamecontroller in communication with at least one memory device, a thermalcamera device, and a display, the method comprising: capturing, from thethermal camera device, thermal image data in an area near the electronicgaming machine including a playing position of the electronic gamingmachine; determining an ambient temperature at the playing positionbased on the thermal image data; and timestamping and storing theambient temperature as environmental data of a game play session; andtransmitting the environmental data of a game play session to ananalytics server, thereby allowing operators to evaluate player comfortduring the game play session.
 12. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising automatically activating a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) device, via an HVAC controller module, based on thedetermined ambient temperature, the HVAC device managed by the HVACcontroller module and operable to alter one or more environmentalconditions near the electronic gaming machine.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the HVAC device includes a heater device integrated into theelectronic gaming machine, wherein automatically activating the HVACdevice includes automatically activating the heater device when theambient temperature is determined to be below a pre-determinedthreshold.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the HVAC device includesan air conditioning device integrated into the electronic gamingmachine, wherein automatically activating the HVAC device includesautomatically activating the heater device when the ambient temperatureis determined to be above a pre-determined threshold.
 15. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising automatically activating a fan device, viathe HVAC controller module, when a smoke detector device detects thepresence of smoke near the electronic gaming machine.
 16. The method ofclaim 12 wherein automatically activating the HVAC device includesautomatically activating one or more of a heater device and an airconditioning device integrated into the electronic gaming machine and isfurther based on output from a thermometer device.
 17. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising: capturing camera output data from a digitalcamera device; detecting spectator presence of one or more spectatorsnear the electronic gaming machine based on one or more of the cameraoutput data and output from the thermal camera device; timestamping andstoring the spectator presence as additional environmental data; andtransmitting the additional environmental data to the analytics server.18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: capturing, from a digitalcamera device, a digital image of a player of the electronic gamingdevice during a gaming session; determining an emotional state of theplayer by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image;timestamping and storing the emotional state of the player as sessiondata; and transmitting the session data to the analytics server.
 19. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising: capturing, from a motion detectorcamera device, motion data near the electronic gaming machine;detecting, from the motion data, pedestrian movement in a first area;identifying the first area as a high traffic area near the electronicgaming device based on the detected pedestrian movement; andtransmitting an indication of the first area as a high traffic area nearthe electronic gaming device as environmental data to an analyticsserver.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising: capturing airquality data from a smoke detector sensor; and timestamping and storingthe air quality data as part of the session data for the game playsession.